Page 50 of Midnight with the Marquess (The St. Clairs 2)

Chapter Fifteen

Rachel dressed withcare for the ball. Not only would Alford’s houseguests attend, but he had invited of bevy of neighbors up to twenty miles away in order to give Leah the chance to meet everyone—and shine. Some of these same guests would attend the wedding between the earl and his fiancée at Eversleigh once October came.

A maid had taken over Leah’s toilette while another fussed over how to style Leah’s hair. Rachel waited until her friend was completely dressed and sat to have her hair arranged before claiming the maid’s services in helping her to prepare for the evening.

She started with her linen chemise. Its open, square neckline fit well with the dress she’d brought for the ball. It was a favorite of hers, one she’d worn twice during the Season. Next, she slipped into her corset, which had minimal boning that supported her breasts. It fell long enough to flatten her stomach, which she didn’t really need. Though she possessed a healthy appetite, she got plenty of exercise. Catherine had told her once she had children, things might change. Rachel pushed that thought away as she lifted the shoulder straps and asked for help in tightening the corset enough so that the cups supported her without squishing her breasts together.

Once finished, she allowed the lady’s maid to lift her gown over her head and she slid her arms into it before draping and smoothing the dress. It was actually two pieces that she’d had sewn together, the bottom one a soft shade of pale gold satin that dominated the skirt, while the upper layer was a deep emerald green, the exact shade of her eyes. The green was cut away to reveal the gold and Rachel thought the colors blended together beautifully.

She sat in a chair and pulled on opaque, silk stockings in the same unusual shade of pale gold. Her flat, satin slippers of emerald had decorative gold ribbons that laced up her calves. She reached for the cameo that hung from an emerald satin ribbon and fastened it about her neck. Last, she slid on the long, white, kid gloves that went slightly above her elbows.

She remained seated and watched as Leah finished getting ready. Her friend wore a gown of deep green trimmed with gold rosettes. The gown itself brought out her deep, green eyes and looked marvelous with her golden hair, piled high atop her head. Leah’s cheeks were already flushed with excitement.

“You look beautiful,” Rachel proclaimed. “Alford is a lucky man.”

“Your turn,” her friend said, instructing the maid how she wanted Rachel’s hair to be styled in a similar fashion to hers.

She took a seat and let the maid artfully arrange her hair. Looking into the small hand mirror, Rachel was satisfied that she looked her best. For her.Notfor Merrick.

“Let’s go downstairs so we can join the receiving line,” Leah said, slipping her arm through Rachel’s and leading her from the room.

“I see no need for me to be in a receiving line.”

“Well, I do,” Leah said emphatically. “I want all of my family to meet my new neighbors. I’ve even asked for a chair to be placed at the end so Cor won’t have to stand for too long. Besides, it will go quickly. None of Alex’s houseguests will go through it. It will only be the surrounding neighbors which I haven’t met yet. And who knows? You might be attracted to some wonderful gentleman who introduces himself to us. Wouldn’t it be fun, Rachel, if you married someone in the neighborhood? Then we wouldn’t have to be parted at all. We could see each other all the time.”

She doubted she would be drawn to any man but smiled as Leah continued to babble. She would not dampen her closest friend’s happiness. Rachel determined not only to act happy tonight but be happy. She adored dancing, especially country dancing, which was a nonstop whirlwind. Of course, she doubted Merrick would dance. She hadn’t noticed him favoring his wounded leg lately but lively dancing would most likely aggravate it. That was a good thing. She wouldn’t have to dance with him. Look across and face him. Have their fingers touch. She would be free to enjoy the evening.

Especially kissing someone.

Rachel was determined to try out her lessons tonight. Perhaps, she would meet some eligible bachelor in the receiving line. Or allow one of Alford’s houseguests to escort her to the terrace and see if kissing any of them appealed to her. Merrifield had been most attentive. He might be one she decided to kiss. He was very handsome and intelligent. If the opportunity arose, she would certainly kiss him.

They arrived at the entrance to the ballroom and saw Jeremy and Catherine already standing with Alford. Cor was next to them in a chair. Luke rushed in and joined them.

“Sorry. Am I late?”

“No,” Leah assured him. “We just arrived.”

“Good. I’m looking forward to meeting your neighbors. Especially the pretty ones.” Luke grinned. “Any I should be watching for, Alford?”

The earl glanced to Leah. “My fiancée is the only pretty one in this neighborhood. Every other woman is only tolerable.”

“Splendid answer, Alford,” Jeremy said. “I see Leah already has you well trained.”

The arrivals began after that. For half an hour, a steady stream of people who resided in the area came through the receiving line. Rachel found two prospects from the group, both bachelors who looked to be in their late twenties. She hoped she would have an opportunity to dance with both.

Since it was a country ball, no dances would be reserved. Rachel preferred the spontaneity of that. She danced with two of the houseguests and three of Alford’s neighbors before taking a much needed rest. She’d partnered with Viscount Michaels for the most recent dance and he led her to the punch bowl, retrieving a cup for each of them. They strolled out the terrace doors once they finished their drinks to get some fresh air.

Rachel decided Michaels was interesting enough to kiss. Not with her tongue. Merrick had warned her of that. She knew only to kiss someone she really wanted to—and then only use her tongue if the attraction was there. She doubted that would happen tonight. Merrick, the bloody fool, still held her heart. It would take time to heal from the invisible wounds he’d caused. In the meantime, she would do her best to recover on her own.

And not look at him across the ballroom. No matter how much she wanted to.

Michaels led her at an easy pace as they spoke. She’d already learned he lived seven miles from Fairfield and that he cared for his elderly parents. That he enjoyed riding and was fascinated by breeding horses.

He was the first one she would kiss.

They reached the far end of the terrace. As the viscount made the turn, Rachel stopped. She licked her lips, something she knew had always quickened Merrick’s blood. She hoped her eyes also conveyed her wish to be kissed.

Apparently, Michaels received her wordless message. His hands lightly grasped her shoulders as he bent and brushed his lips softly against hers.

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